How Do You Get Hepatitis B?
If any organ in the body gets the hardhat award for being the most diligent worker, it’s the liver. Without it a whole lot that needs to be processed and exited from the body asap would be doing nothing of the sort. A strong functioning liver is important and Hepatitis B is an infection that puts the liver at risk. Hepatitis B symptoms may not show when a person is in the early stages of the infection, but the goods news is that it is vaccine-preventable. Is hepatitis B curable? It’s more that it is a short-term infection for most people, provided an effective Hep B treatment medication like Hespera is used.
For others though Hepatitis B can become a long-term chronic infection that if left unchecked can lead to serious health concerns like liver cirrhosis or even liver cancer. Yes, it’s definitely something you want to make a point to steer clear of, and so the question becomes how do you get Hepatitis B? Fortunately it’s not something that is airborne contagious or you can acquire easily. 95+% of people get it from sexual contact or sharing needles or syringes, and while the first part of that is understandable and natural for everyone the second part of that definitely is not.
HBV pregnancy transmission from mother to baby is possible too, and vaccination can be important if you’re at risk there because 90% of infants who contract hepatitis B end up with a chronic HBV infection. The outlook is considerably better for adults, as it is only around 5% of people who get Hepatitis B symptoms end up having it for more than a short spell. Still, vaccination is always the best idea if your lifestyle puts you more at risk of getting Hep B.
Warning Signs
As mentioned, Hepatitis B can be plenty sneaky with the way the virus sets up shop attacking your liver and you don’t even know about it. At least in the early stages. Hidden infections can be the cause of fatigue, and that applies here too as being chronically tired is among the Hepatitis B symptoms you may be experience and dismissing it as just something you’re going through temporarily. HBV treatment medications like Hespera and others are best used as early as possible to eliminate the virus most effectively, and that’s why it’s beneficial if you’re aware of Hepatitis B symptoms.
Other symptoms include:
- Fever
- Appetite loss
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Dark-color urine
- Stools that look and have the consistency of clay
- Joint pain
- Jaundice
Of all these Hepatitis B symptoms, the one that is often most pronounced and immediately noticeable for people is the dark urine. This can be the cue you need to make an appointment with your doctor to get tested for Hepatitis B. Another consideration with this infection is that decreased liver function means less cholesterol is cleared by the organ and this may lead to high cholesterol being a complication from a Hepatitis B infection.
Immunity Ticket
Not a whole lot to like about the prospect of getting Hepatitis B symptoms, but if there is any way to put a more positive spin on it the people who have acute Hepatitis B (meaning temporary and not chronic provided the patient uses Hep B treatment medication) will become immune to the virus and won’t have to be concerned about it for the rest of their life. But the reason a Hepatitis B vaccination makes sense if you are more at risk that the average person.
Some people may be more at risk of kidney problems when using Hespera to treat Hep B, and if so their doctor will usually suggest that they use Baraclude as a medication alternative. This one may also be the better choice if you’re among the few who end up developing chronic hepatitis B and need a long-term maintenance dose of medication that doesn’t present other problems for you.
Safer Practices
Hepatitis B symptoms aren’t necessarily a sign that something is wrong, but if it is you want to take on the infection without delay. Another smart choice is to be a little more mindful of things you do in your life and make sure you either don’t get hepatitis B or spread it to others. Safe practices include:
- Using condoms when having sex or other forms of barrier protection
- Wear gloves if cleaning up after others in high-risk environments
- Fully cover cuts and wounds without delay
- Ensure you are not sharing razors, toothbrushes, nail care tools, or ear piercing implements
Only get pedicures and manicures at reputable spas
IMPORTANT NOTE: The above information is intended to increase awareness of health information and does not suggest treatment or diagnosis. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
